Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley has reacted to the RFL’s statement on potential repercussions due to unpaid wages.
It’s been confirmed by Rowley himself that the players haven’t been paid this month, the payment that was due today on the last day of the month.
The Red Devils will have until Tuesday to pay their players when another RFL Committee will meet to discuss whether the salary cap limit is reintroduced.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ coverage of Leigh v Catalans and asked if his players had been paid, Rowley said: “No, they’ve not been paid yet but we have assurances that it’s still part of the process where there is money coming from overseas and fraud checks etc etc.
“The players and staff are included but no one has been paid yet.”
Salford boss Paul Rowley continued by saying it’s been business as normal for his side but understood that it’s been frustrating for everyone at the club, not just the players.
He continued: “My squad has to be in at 12 o’clock on Wednesday as we play on Friday so it’s difficult again for the players and our staff to prepare not knowing what the outcome (of Tuesday’s meeting) is going to be.
“The important thing is the clearance of the funds happens and that people get paid and I’m sure they will.”
He admitted that there has been plenty of talk amongst the players and staff as it’s a frustrating situation for all.
However, he believes when it’s finalised, everyone will breathe a collective sigh of relief.
He said: “It is a cloud on the horizon and a distraction so it’s difficult for everyone.”
The sticking point comes as some of the new ownership’s funds are from outside of the UK, meaning additional checks and balances.
Rowley was optimistic about payments going through after the weekend.
On being paid on Monday, he said: “I’m very confident.”
When mentioning the players, he said he understood the emotional toll it can take on them.
He added: “It’s very hard to put into words because it is a unique situation.
“I know people have had situations where they’ve not been paid or there have been periods of uncertainty.
“We spent a full pre-season where it’s been very quiet, they’ve not had an arm put around them and no one has asked about the players other than from within.
“Obviously, we’ve become the centre of attention within the last three weeks or so but they’re all human beings with mortgages to pay so it is distracting.
“I just want to get back to playing. I can’t speak highly enough of the players though.”
The club will hope the issue is resolved as soon as possible.
Paul Rowley’s Salford next face Castleford at the Mend a Hose Jungle next Friday night.
